William David Harris, better known as Liam, was born on August 6, 2012. He took his last breath early in the morning of September 21, 2015, holding hands with his parents, Fred and Jennifer Harris of Duncanville, TX. Liam’s 13 month battle with Stage IV neuroblastoma is over and he is now cancer-free in heaven with Jesus. Liam’s journey is documented both at LiamDavid.net and in a FaceBook group (Liam David Harris: Liam’s Legacy,https://www.facebook.com/groups/707988795941643)

Three-year-old Liam was the youngest of four children and is survived by his brothers, Bennet (9) and Micah (7) Harris; his sister, Theresa Grace Harris (5); his great grandmothers, Aileen Harris of Denton, TX, and Alice Brase of Virginia Beach, VA; his grandparents, Bonnie and Marshall Harris of Seguin, TX, and David and Suzanne Pointer of Duncanville, TX; his aunts, Amy Schoening and Colleen Parks; uncles, Todd Schoening and Stephen Parks; and cousins, Annalise Schoening, Amelia Parks, and Berkley Parks.

Liam loved life and had a beautiful smile. He was a model patient at both Children’s Health Children’s Medical Center in Dallas and Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth. Liam underwent 13 rounds of chemotherapy, 7 surgeries, 1 stem cell transplant, 26 radiation treatments, 2 clinical trials, and countless scans. He loved Curious George, but was rarely seen without his Minion hat. He called himself “Lima: The Boy with the Yellow Hat.” His hugs almost always included a pat on the back.

Liam’s favorite things included baseball, the song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” flashlights, coins, bubbles, the number 8, the colors brown, orange, and green, and Krispy Kreme donuts. Thanks to HopeKids, Liam had a wonderful trip to see the RoughRiders play in Frisco, and he was able to run the bases after the game. Liam also attended a Texas Rangers game with Make-A-Wish. Before he lost the ability to walk, he loved to run and dance on the circles he found in the sidewalk. Liam continued to do his signature thumbs up high five and a hand bump called “Sweet Potato/French Fries” until two days before his death.

We miss Liam every day, but we want to honor his memory by choosing joy. Participating in The Blast run was a family event last year and while I think it may be challenging to return without Liam, I think it is important that we remember him and champion fundraising efforts that help fund NB treatment options.